Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State under President Trump, outlined the priorities and mission of the Department of State for the second Trump administration. He emphasized that his role as America's 72nd Secretary of State is a significant honor and that President Trump has directed him to prioritize core national interests in American foreign policy.
Rubio highlighted three guiding questions for evaluating every dollar spent, program funded, and policy pursued: "Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?"
To achieve these goals, Rubio stated that the State Department will become more innovative and focused. This involves changing some priorities and eliminating certain practices. One major focus is on curbing mass migration and securing borders. The department will stop activities that facilitate mass migration and will prioritize diplomatic relations aimed at securing borders and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
Rubio also mentioned rewarding performance within the State Department ranks by executing an executive order from President Trump that eliminates "DEIA" requirements across government offices. Additionally, he called for a return to basic diplomacy by moving away from divisive political and cultural causes.
Addressing censorship, Rubio asserted that efforts to combat propaganda must be reprioritized to support free speech while combating genuine enemy propaganda with truth. The aim is to defend Americans' rights without censoring them.
On climate policies, Rubio stated that while environmental threats won't be ignored, the focus will be on supporting American energy dominance through diplomacy.
Rubio concluded by reiterating President Trump's agenda for refocusing on American national interests amid global power rivalries. He expressed his commitment to empowering diplomats to advance their mission of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.